Solid state breakdown counter for magnetic monopole and other highly ionizing particles searches

Solid state breakdown counters combine threshold properties of nuclear track detectors with the convenience of electronic event registration in real time. Here we discuss the principle of operation of the breakdown counters and their potential applicability to the existing (MoEDAL) and foreseen (CosmicMoEDAL) searches of magnetic monopoles and other highly ionizing rare particles. Avenues of R&D that may lead to an increased appeal of the technology are also described